Real-Life Money Tree

Money doesn't grow on trees. Or does it? As a publicity stunt, RaboDirect
of Australia sponsored a stunt where a tree in a park in Sydney is festooned
with real $5 bills:

An Overview of Responses:

Lost Opportunity
In the early stages, almost 100 people passed the tree without noticing
that anything was different. Even when a group of joggers noticed, they
were too busy to stop. The first groups who eventually stopped to interact
couldn’t believe it. They inspected the notes and took pictures,
but left empty handed.

Follow the Crowd
Only once one brave participant started taking the money, did momentum
gather. Legitimised by the crowd, a wide spectrum of behaviour ensued.

Frugality
Some took just one or two notes, satisfied by their modest and unexpected
gains.

Opportunist
Consumed by the fantasy, a group of braver participants made the most
of the opportunity by filling their pockets.

Employing Tools and Working Together
When the low hanging $5 notes were depleted, participants employed tools
such as swinging coats and umbrellas, to help them reach higher branches.
Teamwork also came into play as spectators formed human pyramids to
reach the notes seemingly out of reach.

Altruism
Perhaps the most comforting observation from the participants was that
of altruism. Taller participants shared their earnings with shorter
spectators, while one gentleman on identifying the undercover observation
team, requested his money be donated to charity.